May/June 2010
CONTENTS UPDATE What’s Hot.p4
FASHION
Editor’s Note A long weekend, a new wardrobe and the return of Carrie and co are the ideal prescriptions for seasonal happiness. What’s not to like about May? Step away from the computer and embrace the illusion of warm weather with lots of picnics, parties and play. By the time you read this, the elections will be over, sterling will strengthen against the euro and the whole volcanic ash fiasco will be yesterday’s news - here’s hoping anyway. So, crack open the Veuve Cliquot and celebrate the fact that summer’s nearly here. Hooray!
Penny x editorial@thehouseofgoo
HOME Upcycling.p18 Fish Recipe.p19 Give A Pet A Home.p20
WHAT’S ON
Picture Perfect Shoot.p5 Naughty Nauticals.p8
Paloma Faith.p22 What’s On.p23 Party People.p24
RETAIL
TRAVEL
Father’s Day Gifts.p10
The Ribble Valley.p27
INSIDE & OUT
WORK
Celebrity Q&As.p12 Ask the Expert.p13 Hair Extensions.p14 Tarotscopes.p16
The Virtue of Envy.p30
BACK FEATURE Party Philanthropists.p32
P26:THE IDEAL WEEKEND GETAWAY
Front page photograph taken by Jak Spedding www.jakspedding.co.uk Hat by Beth Morgan
UPDATE liverpool tennis tournament models wear viyella
Fancy seeing beautiful, sporting bodies up close? Forget about stalking footballers. Chances are you’re more likely to be rewarded for your efforts at this year’s Liverpool International Tennis Tournament. Our top male hotties for 2010s event include Paul-Henri Mathieu and the Bryan brothers. But the real star of the show, in our humble opinion, is the infamous John McEnroe. Watch the Wimbledon equivalent at Calderstones Park from June 16-20. For more info see: www.liverpooltenni s.co.uk
2.new talent
CURATOR OF COOL
Image by Robert Kicka
1.tennis
We reckon Manchester band Still City Sound are going to be the next big thing.
WHAT’S HOT
maternity outfit from next
3.fertility retreats Next season’s must have accessory? A baby bump, of course. So, it’s no shocker that the latest craze for those desperate to conceive are fertility retreats. One friend of a friend swears by Fertility Awakenings near Barcelona, for getting a woman’s body back into optimum baby making condition. Our view? Any excuse for another vacation.
Traditional afternoon tea has a bad rep sandwiches too dainty to enjoy and service so snooty you’re scared of not knowing your Oolongs from your Jasmines. Thankfully Brew is about to host a tea party with a twist. Yup, the trendy tea bar off Liverpool’s Old Hall Street, has twinned with The House of Good Fortune to offer Saturday tea leaf sessions. To find out more e-mail psychic@thehouseofgoodfo rtune.co.uk. For those who prefer high kicks and low life, the new Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition at Liverpool’s Walker Gallery is a ‘must see’ from May 14 - August 8. The iconic poster - La Goulue at the Moulin Rouge is particularly dramatic. Finally, for all you Sex and the City fans, not only will you get a chance to see Kim Cattrall on the big screen this month, it turns out the Liverpool born actress will also be coming home to play the role of Cleopatra at the Playhouse this autumn. Happy days...
Penny
NAUTICAL BUT NICE This is the season for raising the sails with Riviera style, says Penny Fray. Marine mode was ubiquitous on and off
shape, pattern and colour. Try a shot of cranberry red to your stripes, embrace spots or just keep it preppy by teaming a pastel tank and cropped
the S/S‘10 runways chinos with a softly with everyone from tailored blazer. Louis Vuitton to Derek Of course, the Lam indulging in a classic trend has a little Riviera chic. more playful vibe this While the high season, so if you have street is currently youth on your side, over run with striped buy a playsuit or team t-shirts, brass a little Breton-style buttoned jackets and bra top with jeans. anchor themed If you just want to accessories, why not flirt with the trend, add some individual a statement cuff with flair to the look by a boating emblem experimenting with should do the trick.
top:Riviera outfit from Boo-hoo.com above:Bracelet,£10, Freedom @ TopShop right: Ruffle top,£30, oli.co.uk Deck shoes,£35, Blow Fish Malibu Charm necklace,£5.99, Internacionale
RETAIL
daddy cool outfit from next
Black leather wash bag, £14.95, fab stuff.net
Pair of butterfly clips, £15, from Marks & Spencer
Panama hat, £15, Tu @ Sainsbury’s
POP SHOP Celebrate the main man in your life this Father’s Day (June 20) with these stylish yet useful gifts, says Penny Fray Fingerprint cufflinks, £235, Dominic Walmsley
Face balm, £11.95, from Manchester based The Gentry Grooming Co. Available from Gentry salons or www.thegentrygrooming.co.uk
Pint and half pint t-shirts, £29.95, from Getting Personal
INSIDE & OUT new model on the block tali lennox wears jewellery from freedom at top shop
MIND, BODY & SPIRIT Tali Lennox, daughter of Annie, and the new face of Freedom at Top Shop, reveals her passion for fashion. How would you describe your style? I mostly wear vintage and second hand pieces mixed with high street finds. When I’m going out, I’ll wear a body-con dress with my leather jacket and big heels. What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever bought on EBay? I’ve never bought anything from there. What’s the last song you danced to? Halfway Home by TV on the Radio. Where’s the most exciting place you’ve ever been?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel all around the world, so I couldn’t pick just one place.
BEAUTY BAG
What’s your favourite possession? My collection of vintage dresses. It’s hard to find good vintage dresses, so I cherish them. What’s going to big, in your view, this season? Vintage will always be a big style inspiration. But I think the 1960s will make a comeback as will street style - graffiti looks set to be huge.
SINGER SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR, REVEALS HER MAKEUP BAG MUST HAVES “Bright colours really. Anything that sparkles or is bold. I can always rely on black eyeliner, a slick of mascara, red lipstick and a bit of colour on my cheeks – I always use the Rimmel Professional Liquid Eyeliner, it’s been a regular in my make-up bag for years and always does the trick.”
BEAUTY Q&As With Kelly Willson, founder and editor of Absolute Cosmetics. Q My lifestyle is hectic with two children under four years old. I look tired and older than my 35 years, so I’m thinking of having some kind of surgery. I no longer have any pride in my appearance and it’s affecting my confidence to go out. What can you advise and what should I be wary of? Jennifer (sent via e-mail)
A Okay, well to begin with I have a child myself - a four year old, so I understand the pressures of a hectic lifestyle. It’s important to remember that fact to regain your self-confidence. Surgery or a noninvasive surgical procedure may not be the answer. If your appearance is stopping you from going out or even feeling comfortable with your husband, there may be underlying issues you need to address or get help with. But if you do feel you would like to explore the procedural options out there, a face to face consultation with a fully qualified specialist cosmetic nurse or doctor is important. My first recommendation is that you look into having a skin peel. It’ll
tried & tested
give your skin an initial boost and help it regain its natural looking radiance. Face peels can also really illuminate, boosting the skin’s collagen and elastin properties, giving rise to plumper, firmer looking skin. Another non-surgical treatment available is Botox, which softens lines, giving a fresher, less tired appearance. The results begin to show within four to five days, with the optimum result occurring around the fourteenth day. The desired effects will then last, on average three to six months. Clients are usually treated two to three times a year.
Transformula’s Eye Lightening Serum,£25, available from www.transformulas.com Eyes maybe the windows of the soul, but the wear and tear surrounding them reveal a whole lot more, especially when you’re a super sociable ‘oldie’. With promises of advanced nanotechnology
diminishing puffiness and dark circles as well as wiping away signs of fatigue, expectations were high. And whilst the unique formula was certainly successful in lightening and firming the under-eye area, it had its work cut out in reducing fine lines. For the price, I’d buy it again. RR
THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT
Alex Leigh tries to emulate this season’s vogue for Rapunzel-like locks with extensions Growing your own hair is so ten years ago. But wearing someone else’s has its drawbacks too. So, rather than sticking Britney-esque stringy lengths to my head, I decided to get my extensions done by the experts. Enter Christian Vermaak in London. Having been responsible for Danni Minogue’s ever changing locks on the last series of X-Factor, he’s your man when it comes to adding length and volume - although I hear that Lucinda Ellery in Manchester’s King Street is great too, especially if you have thinning hair - but more on that in the next edition. I didn’t give him the easiest of challenges. Despite once having hair that would give Barbie a run for her money, on New Years Eve, after making the life changing decision of leaving my husband, I decided I should do something drastic to reflect the new me - I cut and darkened my hair. I loved it – for the first three days. After that, it became a chore to maintain and being brunette washed me out. I wanted to turn back time and extensions were the way forward. Of course, I did have reservations about looking like Jordan’s big sister but Christian soon made me feel at ease and assured me that I wouldn’t leave his premises without feeling 100% confident and happy. I brought a stash of magazines and had a hundred emails to answer, expecting
Before and after shots of Alex by photographer Robert Kicka
to be sat on his chair for hours, yet I barely flicked through the first one and he had finished. The treatment was a fantastic way to augment my newly blonde mane, helping me look at least 10 years younger. >>
HAIR TRENDS S/S10 It seems that as your real locks and extensions are the new gets knotted and matted Botox amongst 30 and very easily. I had to 40-somethings. And with brush it constantly and bigger budgets than plait it every night most teenagers, they’re before going to sleep prepared to invest in so I didn’t wake-up the best. looking like Amy A set of extensions Winehouse after a night from Christian will set out in Camden. And you back at around £700 after the initial but I’ve heard of expense of the actual people spending a hair, you’re then couple of grand on advised to buy special their faux mane. shampoos, conditioners Premium, human hair is and brushes. threaded, not woven or Furthermore, glued, along with a bit professional styling is of your own through a advised for picture small copper tube. The perfect hair. No wonder tube is then clamped on specialists like to hold the extension Christian are mainly in place. It remains reserved for A-listers. hidden against your Saying that, it has hairline, and can be been fun and when washed, brushed, and properly styled, styled like normal extensions look hair. When your hair luscious. But they have starts to grow out, started to fall out now the tubes are loosened, and instead of getting moved up, and rethem re-done (and clamped. getting the house reBut be warned, although mortgaged) I have the hair I have is decided to go back to human, because of all being au naturel the bleaching and although I am sticking processes it went to the highlights. through to become an After all, blondes do extension, it doesn’t have more fun. behave in the same way
Lucious Lengths Long hair is still as popular as ever. On this shape, Saks’ art team have used a razor to create a soft outline with long layers to give a lived-in feel. Caramel hues are applied using a paint-on technique to give a sun-kissed, low-maintenance result.
Big Hair Is Back Head hugging layers help to create this volume while carve cutting random areas gives support and longevity to the shape, according to Mario Failla from the Saks Art Team. The low side parting gives a sexy eyeskimming result.
TAROTSCOPE
Your forecast for May to June from The House of Good Fortune ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20) true understanding Beware of looking for in the form of a problems because you may fellow fire sign, find a whole nest of them, says the nine of swords. Keep clear of trouble.
says the two of cups. VIRGO (Aug 24Sep 23)
TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21) An unexpected event will leave you a little shaken but determined to change your life for the
A change of scenery will do you good at the moment, says idea of trampling on another to get ahead the six of swords. frightens you, says the You’ve become too justice card. better in June, says the complacent with the tower card. familiar of late. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan GEMINI (May 22-Jun LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23) 20) The world card tells you to celebrate recent 21) Expect positive Boredom or a vague feedback or some kind of feeling of discontent is accomplishments. You reward for a job well de-energising you, says have a lot to be proud of this month. done this month, says the four of cups. You the six of wands. But don’t rest on your
need action and adventure.
laurels
AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19) You are about to be
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22) An upsetting episode 23) This is not the time has rattled you, says to put your dreams on the five of cups. But
faced with several challenges. Take charge and do one thing at a time.
the back burner, says there is light at the PISCES (Feb 20-Mar the fool card. Follow end of the tunnel if you 20) Your intuition is your intuition to find a look close enough. shaper than a knife at better life path. the moment, says the SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23LEO (Jul 24-Aug 23) Dec 21) You believe what moon card. Don’t fear it Trust that you will find companionship and
goes around, comes around. That’s why the
- work with it.
SCRAP HAPPY Give old house-ware a new lease of life with a little care and creativity. You’re fussy about furniture. So, you simply refuse to buy anything that’s sold alongside Swedish fish or sounds like an Italian porn star. If only you had a pound for every time someone told you:‘the key to great design is pairing designer furniture with junk shop finds’ - you’d be able to afford a real Eames chair from an antiques dealer. But you don’t, so you have to learn the art of ‘upcycling’ instead. The craze for breathing new life into junk shop finds has become de rigueur among those who value individuality and the environment above recession unfriendly ‘blah-ness’. But where do you find well made, vintage pieces that don’t cost the earth? First stop, charity shops. Here, you’ll find a wealth of kitsch 1950s crockery, unique art work and knitted blankets for a fraction of ‘cool shop’ prices. Ditto car boot sales. But you do have to have an eye for re-invention to make it work. This means being prepared to paint old picture frames, re-upholster vintage sofas and give worn out wardrobes the graffiti treatment a la Jimmie Martin. A gentle introduction to this creative process is
to turn pretty china cups and saucers into scented candle holders. After that, flick through lifestyle magazines and visit designer shops for inspiration. “I regularly check out websites like Plumo and Laura Ashley for shabby chic interiors and replicate the look using vintage treasure,” says lawyer Jayne Jones. “It’s fun and my finds are often fodder for dinner party conversations.” While many of the better known second hand and antique shops are swarming with interior designers who push prices up, you’d be amazed what can be found by milling around smaller towns and villages. “I loathe to reveal my secret locations, but there’s one fantastic warehouse in North Wales that’s splitting at the sides with old oak dressers, art deco furniture, vintage housewares, and oddities that’ll make any house a home,” says yummy mummy Lizzie Gray. “And the prices are amazing. I recently bought a box full of Staffordshire crockery for £2.50 and a pre-war nursing chair for £5.” If, however, rooting through dusty old boxes doesn’t appeal - it’s worth visiting on-line sites like etsy and EBay for hand made crafts that - literally - don’t cost the earth.
NEW AS OLD
Front page: retro marmite tins, £21.99 from funky olive. Above: vintage union jack bunting, £19.95, dotcomgiftshop. Middle: vintage style cake stand, £19.95, the contemporary home. Bottom: 1950s style retro cushion, £20, hunkydoryhome.co.uk
JUST COOK
Seabass in a Thai Broth
INGREDIENTS Sea bass fillets Vegetable stock Lemongrass Banana shallots Garlic Kafir lime leaves Ginger Bok choi
To make the broth, start off by peeling and thinly slicing the shallots, garlic and ginger. Next, split the lemon grass with the back of a knife before placing all the ingredients into a pan and simmer for one and a half hours. Pass the mixture through a fine sieve. Next, lightly season the sea bass fillets. Oil a frying pan to medium heat and place the sea bass on the
Red chilli rings Spring Onions Coriander
TOP TIP ant , const g n i k o o c In Thai ting is a s ight e t the r taste t e g o t ty necessi f o d e balanc picy an your s , r u o s ike salty, f you l more i t u B bit sweet. have a tra o t s e some ex d dish d a y l imp bite, s llies. hi fresh c
skin side slowly before cooking it nearly all the way through. Turn the fillets over and cook for a further 20-30 seconds. Meanwhile, heat the broth in a small pan. When it’s hot, add the bok choi, chilli rings, spring onion and coriander. Simmer for a minute or two. Finally, plate and serve for a simple but summery dish supper.
Recipe from The Living Room in Manchester
DON’T FRET, SWEET PET Penny Fray discovers the dos and don’ts of adopting a rescue dog Sometimes we wonder has the world gone to the dogs? Not that would be a bad thing. Unconditional love? Total devotion? Are you going to knock that? But keep in mind, that picking a canine companion is not as easy as swinging by the local ‘pound’ and carrying home the first puppy you see. It takes research, resources and responsibility. Pets cost a fair amount of money to maintain. They need care and attention, not to mention awkward and potentially expensive arrangements when you go away. But the rewards are immense. Not only do many make loyal and loving companions, they’re also good for your physical and mental wellbeing. Let’s face it - a walk is always enhanced by a pooch plodding alongside you. We recently lost our beloved Alsatian Dysi, to old age. And despite being an older rescue dog, we were privileged to have spent nearly seven years with a devoted, intelligent and hugely charismatic chap. His death left a huge hole in our lives and a home without some kind of
animal presence now feels a sad and sterile place. So, the hunt’s on for a new ‘furkid’. Millie is just one of the dogs looking for If you a new home at Wirral also Council’s Kennels feel on-going If you can’t adopt, why inspired training,” not donate some dog meat to get a explains & toys? Call 0151 647 dog, 8799 for info. Hazel. “In here are other words, a few you need to expert tips fully understand to help you on the responsibility your way. According to before making a Hazel Millington, commitment. Don’t let deputy senior warden at your heart rule your the Wirral Council head.” Kennels in Birkenhead, If you are still research is essential. resolute - be patient. Consider the realities You may have to wait to of what you can offer find your canine in the way of time, soulmate. When you do money and care. Does ask about their the breed you want suit background, particular your personality and habits and personality lifestyle? Then, gather traits. A well information from the socialised dog that library and internet gets on with other but best of all visit animals and children is those who already own always best, even if or train the kind of you don’t have any. But dog you’re interested many problems can be in. rectified with the “Apart from being right training and homed, loved, fed, expert support, which watered and exercised, most kennels and you also need to care welfare centers will for the dog’s physical recommend. and psychological A happy, well trained wellbeing with pet should give you veterinary visits, untold joy. mental stimulation and For more information, see our video section.
WHAT’S ON
paloma faith
KEEPING THE FAITH Ahead of her appearance at the Liverpool Sound City festival, Clem Flamee catches up with the queen of all things vintage. One of music’s bubbliest women sounds strangely subdued. Paloma Faith is halfway through a mammoth tour across the UK and it would appear the rigorous touring schedule has begun to take its toll. “I’m sorry that I can‘t talk very loudly, its just I’m trying to conserve my voice for the gig tonight.” she apologises, immediately quashing any hints of diva-like behaviour. It’s a wonder, considering she boasts a CV that most 24-year-olds could never dream of attaining. She’s starred in St Trinians, turned down the opportunity to join Amy Winehouse’s band, performed burlesque, and more recently appeared on the infamous television show, Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Even brushing shoulders with presenter Noel Fielding didn’t phase her. “It was kind of fun. I guess I was a bit worried because it’s got a reputation for ruining your career,” she giggles. It would be an understatement to say her style is ‘off the wall’. In fact, she’s renowned for her 1940’s inspired clothing and one off vintage pieces, naming Marilyn Monroe and Josephine Baker as her style icons. “They’re all very feminine, classic women who aren’t afraid to show off their best bits,” she explains. Faith’s sense of style has often attracted media attention, but has her taste always been so gutsy? “Yeah!” she exclaims “I think when I was younger I used to sort of do it by accident and people used to take the piss out of me. I thought I was getting it right but I wasn’t. Now I embrace it and I think that I set trends rather than follow them.” After her debut album “Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful”
Paloma Faith will be performing at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall on May 19th as part of the Liverpool Sound City 2010 event, which takes place from May 19-22. For more info, see www.liverpoolso undcity.co.uk
peaked at number nine in the UK chart last year, she’s been branded as ‘the new Amy Winehouse’. But, she still struggles to accept that she’s really made it. “I still haven’t realised,” she says modestly, “I get recognised sometimes which is a bit weird but I don’t feel any different inside myself. I think sometimes people put me on a pedestal and I find that a bit weird because I don’t think I’m any different to anyone else.” The similarities to Winehouse ends with their winged eyeliner and fierce vocals. You can guarantee that Paloma isn’t going to begin stumbling from clubs flashing her underwear in a haze of paparazzi. She’s focused on her song writing and giving her audience more than just a typical gig. She describes her show as “a big set with nice lights and a good theatrical entertaining performance.” Her lyrics delve deeper than your average pop ditty. She says her new single “Upside Down” is about “looking at the world from a different perspective.” She’s intelligent, talented and instantly likeable. Paloma Faith is no one hit wonder. She’s here to stay, and there’s not a single trip to rehab in sight.
WRITE ON Penny Fray catches up with Fred Lawless, the soap script-writer turned comic genius. You’ve written scripts for television, radio and theatre, but which do you prefer? Most people might think
Tell us about Fistful of Collars,
that writing for TV is the most
which is on at The Royal Court in
prestigious, and while that might
Liverpool until May 15.
be true in terms of national
It's a farce but unlike the
exposure and viewing figures, it's
traditional farce doesn't rely
certainly the most restrictive.
solely on the situation the
With radio you can take your
characters find themselves in to
characters anywhere. Theatre also
produce comedy; there are a lot of
gives great flexibility.
gags in the play and some very
How do you find inspiration for
humorous, larger than life
your characters and plots?
characters.
I never go looking for inspiration,
What's next?
it just happens. Sometimes it's
I'm currently working on two more
reading a newspaper, other times
stage plays, and though nothing is
it's hearing about someone. I've
definite just yet, the Royal Court
personally never had to sit in
seem very interested in them and
front of a blank screen for more
with a bit of luck they might be
than a few minutes before the words
staged there over Christmas or in
start flowing.
2011.
FILM SEX AND THE CITY 2 May 28, cinemas nationwide Prepare for the ultimate girls’ night out as Carrie and co hit the big screen for the next installment of the SATC movie. Tickets are already selling like Jimmy Choo shoes in an H&M sale even though the plot is still very much under wraps. Meanwhile, the boys can be pacified with the new Robin Hood film - out May 14.
on in What’s ne Ju May &
BOOK
THEATRE
MUSIC
EVENT
MY SINGLE BEST FRIEND, £6.99 by Jane Costello
THE MAN FROM STRATFORD, June 16-19, Liverpool Playhouse
LADY GAGA June 2-3 MEN Arena, Manchester
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW May 20 Tatton Park, nr Knutsford
Okay, so this is a blatant plug for a former colleague’s book - but it really is a hilarious holiday read.
Actor Simon Callow tracks down the real Shakespeare, bringing to life the man and his infamous characters.
Macro kickers and catchy electro-pop - who can resist the outlandish style of this chart topping artist?
It’s time to raid your parents’ attic in order to gain five minutes of fame as the BBC rolls into town.
G-FORCE FASHION SHOW
24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE Coronation Street stars attended the Vermillion Gallery in Knutsford, to celebrate the Art of Genesis. The collection, by Argentinian artist Rosana Ibarrola, featured life-drawings and paintings of 15 women who have all been affected by breast cancer. The works are being exhibited on a national
Alex Leigh and her students from Take Two Style School, strut their stuff for charity. Images by Robert Kicka Above: Michelle Morris, Rosana Ibarola, Jane Danson, Gail Hardwick and Sally Lindsay Right: Lynette Ellis, Helen Flanagan and Lorri Wilson
tour and will eventually be sold at auction in October, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going towards The Genesis Appeal. In Altrincham’s Cresta Court Hotel, the GForce girls strutted their stuff under the careful supervision of model Alex Leigh from Manchester’s Take Two Style School.
More than 100 women and one brave gentleman - enjoyed lunch at Gusto Albert Dock, in aid of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. The ‘Fashion & Fun Lunch’ organised by CHPR, showcased fashion from Kirsty Doyle with accessories from Benna Harry. Pauline Daniels added her own inimitable style of 'stand up'
and the afternoon was rounded off with a few cool tunes. Meanwhile, a hip new neighbourhood bar and kitchen opened in West Kirby in April. The Red Door, owned by Tim Bacon and David Hinds, attracted Merseyside’s elite, serving tapas style dishes and plenty of drinks.
FASHION & FUN
Above: Elaine Cunningham, Michelle Hadley, Selina North and Hayley Glover. Middle: Pauline Daniels and Nic Smith.
Tim Bacon, Peter Price and David Hinds
Bottom: Fashion designer Kirsty Doyle
TRAVEL
gibbon bridge hotel
BRINGING HOME THE BACON Spilling with quaint villages, stunning countryside and fabulous food, the Ribble Valley is the perfect weekend getaway, says Penny Fray. The agenda was very reality smacked like a Chipping, just a couple specific. A weekend Mohammed Ali punch when of miles down the road getaway in the purest I discovered I couldn’t from the hotel, is tres sense. No hobbling use my CrackBerry. cute with its historic around ‘Harvey Nicks’ Desperate for a signal houses, picture perfect in sky scraper heels, and a Twitter hit, I church and water wheel. no slurping mocktails sat in the piggery for The village even houses in WAG clad bars and 20 minutes (rumour had the oldest trading shop certainly no inhalation it that someone once in Britain, which of city smog. I just got a connection currently sells wanted to relax in a there). It was only everything from beautiful place, eat when the pair of pot newspapers to cake and commune with bellied porkers got fed reasonably priced nature (or a hog or up of my whimpering, I paintings. two). Nothing more. And gave up and embraced For shopping though, my mission began at the the phone free zen of you can’t beat the Gibbon Bridge Hotel. country living. market town of Located in the heart of If you like nature and Clitheroe. It’s packed the Ribble Valley in exercise, you’ll love full of specialist the Forest of Bowland, this place. It’s less stores, bijou boutiques this idyllic retreat crowded than the Lake and famous food shops. offered everything a District and offers The Platform Gallery, stressed out ‘townie’ oodles of stunning near the station, could want cycling and rambling offers all sorts of tranquility, trees, routes. cool crafts, while tractors and a chance But not being one of Cowman’s Sausage Shop to wear a pair of those active types, is renowned for its, Hunter wellies without I preferred pottering ummm, well, sausages. looking like a complete about the area’s quaint >> fashion freak. Then, villages and hamlets.
Left: Gibbon Bridge’s residential pig. Right: Scenes from Clitheroe.
Pigs are ubiquitous in of rural Lancashire. the Ribble Valley Originally a family whether on farms or on farm, Gibbon Bridge has your plate. So, if you 23 acres of luscious love ‘oinkers’ as much lawns, award winning as I do, you simply gardens, a vegetable must visit Bowland’s plot and duck pond. Wild Boar Park, which There’s even an on-site has everything from bakery, where you can wild boar to meerkats. order freshly made And children, even big bread and the most ones, will enjoy hand heavenly cakes and feeding the lambs. But pies. But my top tip is be warned - they may to enjoy afternoon tea not be so keen to eat in the newly built them with mint sauce orangery, which and roast potatoes features a collection afterwards - or maybe of glass art by David that’s just me. Reade. It really is a To get your annual dose delightfully airy of history, religion setting to tuck into and art, it’s back to some freshly baked school, albeit a sponge. magnificent one. The restaurant is a Stonyhurst College, a little less modern16th century manor looking but the food is house turned Catholic fantastic and amazingly co-educational well priced. But when independent school, has the weather’s warm, you impressive paintings, can’t beat one of the sculptures and hotel owner’s manuscripts. It’s open barbecues. There’s to the public from July something about eating 1st until August 25, outside that just makes and tours include the food taste better. And dormitories, library, when the grub is great chapels, school rooms to begin with and the and historical natural setting is apartments. stunning, well, you’ve Of course, you don’t got yourself a little really have to venture slice of Utopia. out of the hotel to experience the delights
TRAVEL TRIO
Pack with panache weekend bag, £69.99, Jasper Conran for Tripp available at Debenhams.
FACT FILE Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Nr Chipping, Lancashire. Rooms available from £130 including breakfast. www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk / Tel: 01995 61456 For more information see www.visitlancashire.com
See more on our video section
Mud friendly wellies, £12, Tu @ Sainsbury’s Make the most of local produce with this picnic hamper, £25, BHS
THE VIRTUE OF ENVY
How to use jealousy’s slightly nicer sister to jump start your career. Okay, so you’re no stranger to the seven deadly sins. Vanity? That would explain the obscene amount of money you recently spent in Selfridges’ beauty hall. Gluttony? You practically have shares in your local bakery. Sloth? A way of life. But your current spiritual copy paper is blotted by one transgression in particular - envy. Aristotle once defined it as pain at the good fortune of others. And while a touch of the green eyed monster is never pleasant, especially when followed by a sense of your own imagined failure, it can change your career for the better. According to Liverpool based psychologist Dr Steve Wooding, all emotions, even negative ones, are designed to draw our attention to something that needs rectifying in our lives. “Regret brings an opportunity to reflect and ask ourselves if we're really doing the best we can with what we have, and if not, question what we're going to do about it,” he says. “The problem with both envy and regret is that when we don't follow
them with reflection and action, they develop and distort quite destructively envy tends to be focused outwards and leads into anger while regret focuses inwards and slowly eats away at us and hollows us out.” While Steve, from Ice & Lemon, believes we should avoid making comparisons in the first place, the only cure for regret is action. Also, remember that everything has its price. “Often those that we may envy have paid a price in other areas of their life that we're just not aware of, or have put in huge amounts of time and effort earlier on in their career in order get where they are now. And sometimes the price of their success has been paid by someone else. Often we have to make a trade-off or strike a balance and that's down to personal values - if you really value a solid stable family life, then a career that involves constant early starts and late nights is going to be tricky. On the flip-side, if it's a high-powered career you're after, then relationships have to come in second place.”
WORKING IT!
this edition’s office must haves: Pink Pantone messenger bag, £48.95, Lily and Lime. Now Panic mug, £6.99, Strawberry Fool. Lexon Tykho Fan, £55, Red Candy.
BACK FEATURE
fun fundraising model wears dress by vera mont
IMMATERIAL GIRLS Penny Fray meets the charitable people whose events are good in both senses of the word. Your childhood dream? To end poverty and save the world whilst having a laugh. Tell Wonder Woman to retire — you’ve got your own cool powers and they involve putting the fun back into fundraising. It seems more and more modern dogooders are growing tired of silencing rattling charity tins with spare change and attending dull but worthy dinner galas. Instead, they want to give to a good cause whilst having a great time. Louise Banks, a community fundraiser for St Ann’s Hospice, has been organising everything from swishing parties to Indian cookery classes with the aim of attracting the attention of Manchester’s coolest crowds. “As fundraisers we are always having to think of new ideas to engage with our supporters in an ever changing environment,” she explains.“The recent recession has had a massive impact on everyone. As a reaction to this we’ve launched Swap Shop parties and a Come Dine With St Ann's campaign. We hope that by providing our supporters with the tools to hold dinner parties and clothes swapping events in their own homes, they can continue to support the Hospice in an affordable and fun way.” As materialism goes down, altruism goes up. The result?
Social awareness has become hip again and everyone who is anyone wants a slice of the action. Carolyn Hughes’ charity events are always eagerly anticipated in Liverpool because they involve great goody bags, celebrity guests, copious amounts of cocktails and crowd-pleasing entertainment. Fashion helps charity fundraise the fabulous way - that’s why Gusto Restaurant & Bar recently hosted a catwalk with Steranko in West Didsbury to help support Francis House Children’s Hospice. “The fashion scene is extremely prominent and it’s heartening to see more students and many established labels embracing struggling charities and generally taking a slightly more holistic view in terms of fair trade and environmental concerns,” says Jo Houlcroft, a spokesperson for Gusto. Music gigs and festivals have become another lively way of helping charities with events like Oxjam suddenly rivaling Glastonbury. And the guys behind Liverpool’s Chibuku Shake Shake throw raves to raise money to fund a small music festival in Malawi, with all profits going back into the community. So, gala dinners and raffles are now banished until further notice.
Swishing for charity in Didsbury